What did you do during your free time?
Alyssa: During my free time I hung out in the seminar house with many of my friends, went out to bars and clubs, and ate a lot of food!

What were your favorite and least favorite things to do while abroad?
Alyssa: My favorite things were to discover new places to eat and travel and make new friends. My least favorite thing was going to the bathroom on a Japanese style toilet.

Was communicating easy?
Alyssa: No. At first, I didn’t know any Japanese or even how to order food, so I had to have my friends help me, but after a few weeks I got used to it. Not as many people in Osaka speak English as in Tokyo. I did learn basic Japanese, and i don’t consider myself fluent, but I can communicate with people and read and write Japanese.

What difference did you find with regards to academics?
Alyssa: The classes were much different. Japanese classes were five times a week and were pretty difficult. However, our lecture courses taught in English were very easy compared to home.

What advice would you give to other students traveling abroad?

Alyssa: Although you may read about culture shock, there’s nothing like experiencing it. It gets pretty scary in the beginning and you’ll doubt why you ever decided to travel, but force yourself to get out and try new things and you’ll love it!

How would you summarize your overall experience?
Alyssa: I absolutely loved everything about my trip and was sad to leave at the end. I will never forget the people I lived with, and we’re already planning our reunions. This trip was a once in a lifetime experience, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.